Led by ICBA President Cam Fine, community bankers voiced concerns about overly harsh examinations by regulators, favoritism toward big banks that caused the financial meltdown, and the proposed FDIC special assessment that should be the responsibility of banks deemed too-big-to-fail.
Both CBAI and ICBA have advocated that the FDIC Board base assessments on total assets less capital rather than on domestic deposits, which would dramatically shift the cost to the largest banks and reduce the burden on community banks. Sadly, the American Bankers Association and its state association affiliate, the Illinois Bankers Association, do not support the change, apparently because it would adversely affect its largest members. More information.
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A key House committee today approved a bill to restrict credit card interest rates and fees which could go to the full House by next week. The Obama Administration indicated it may seek even tougher provisions before a floor vote. The provisions mirror tougher rules the Federal Reserve passed last December but that don’t go into effect until July, 2010.
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Three prominent economists told a congressional panel on April 21 that the current government policy of propping up troubled giant banks could impede economic recovery, and they should be allowed to fail. The economists also urged the break up of the biggest banks, a position advocated by CBAI. Hearing Video.
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In testimony to the Congressional Oversight Panel, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said the vast majority of banks have more capital than needed. He also provided an update on TARP. More information.
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Banks are focused on reinforcing their foundations, managing risks, and pursuing strategies for growth, according to the 16th Bank Executive Survey conducted by Grant Thornton. For full results, click here.
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How does your bank stack up? CBAI has extended the deadline for its Annual Officer Compensation Survey to April 30. Surveys completed to date total 150, but more input is sought. Take at look at your peers’ compensation, benefits, and incentives; learn how directors’ fees compare; non-officer compensation is tallied is well. Results are organized by location and asset size. CBAI members that participate receive customized results for free. To download a hard copy of the survey for use as a worksheet, click here. To complete the Survey, click here. Thank you for your participation.
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The Rural Mainstreet Index, a measurement of economic conditions in Midwestern states conducted by Creighton University in Omaha, found that the Index increased for the second straight month to 21.7. Retail and home sales continued to be weak, and farm-equipment sales slumped to a record low.
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The International Monetary Fund announced today that the global economy is expected to swing into reverse this year for the first time since WWII with trillions of dollars in lost business, millions of people left homeless and hungry, and crime on the rise.
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According to the U.S. Internet Crime Complaint Center, reported online fraud losses climbed to $265 million in 2008, up from $239 million in 2007. Fraud complaints increased by 33% during the same period. More information.
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Many community banks lack a coordinated and proactive plan for dealing with the issue of detecting and preventing data breaches. Too often, community banks install a security solution to address a specific vulnerability, such as a spam filter for email, which can lead to a collection of incongruous parts. This patchwork of security software can disguise a security hole while instilling a false sense of security among bank management. The Solution.
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The decline in the subprime mortgage lending market coupled with revamped regulations and processes has made Federal Housing Administration (FHA) lending more popular. Government–backed loans benefit a wider population and provide lenders extra product offerings, improved credit risk management, and additional opportunities to help struggling borrowers refinance.
The requirements for creating and maintaining an FHA lending program have been streamlined, but there are significant licensing and compliance hurdles.
Wolters Kluwer Financial Services’ Government Lending Services can help community banks quickly roll out or expand their FHA program. They offer consulting in the areas of HUD licensing, loan origination training, integration and assessment services, and industry standard FHA and VA loan documentation that complies with federal and state mortgage regulations. More…Back to top

This May, CBAI is offering the “Community Bank Technology Conference,” a one-day conference which features targeted solutions to meet the demands of community banks. Designed for senior managers and operations personnel, you will benefit from informative break-out sessions spotlighting the mobile banking, vendor management, and answers to common technology question. It also gives focus to card fraud and community-bank technology investments. New at this year’s conference is an opportunity to engage in roundtable discussions with your peers on the hottest technology issues.
With more than 40 of the nation’s leading financial-service providers showcasing the latest products, participants also find solutions in the Exhibit Center. The Tech Conference combines a hands on technology show with unbeatable educational sessions. The topics are hot and the speakers are experts in their fields.
Speakers include Charles Burkhart, fraud operations manager at SHAZAM/ITS, Inc.; Cindi Lieblich, vice president, FundsXpress/First Data; Dan Hadaway, managing partner, infotex; Mark Scholl, executive officer, Lindgren, Callihan, Van Osdol & Co., Ltd.; and Brad Smith, president, Abound Resources, Inc.
So don’t delay! Enroll your bank today for this timely program today!
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First National Bank of Pasco has been able to grow without jeopardizing credit quality in a state that has been hit hard by the real estate fallout. While 41 percent of community banks in Florida lost money in 2008, First National Bank of Pasco has been able to perform above its peer banks in net interest income and net income. Click here to read more.
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IRAs seem like a mystery at times—just when you think you know what happens next, you’re thrown for a loop. Case after case gives you the third degree and you’re left looking for an alibi.
Don’t settle for unsolved mysteries. Wolters Kluwer Financial Services’ spring and summer IRA seminars will help you weigh the evidence to discover the truth. They’ve examined every angle and investigated each lead to deliver an airtight case on IRAs.
Whether you’re an amateur detective or a seasoned sleuth, their IRA experts will have you hot on the trail of relevant topics in no time.
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Register by April 30, 2009, for CBAI's 35th Annual Convention and Expo and receive the lowest pricing available! Scheduled for September 24-26, 2009, you'll be welcomed to the jungle at the new Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, and find the information and insight you need to “Survive and Thrive.” The full registration fee includes the Thursday night Welcoming Reception featuring the BancPac Silent Auction. Highlighting this Survivor-themed reception is the world-guitar-fusion band, Incendio. Your registration also includes the Friday Opening Breakfast with Peter Leyden, technology and future trends expert, as well as Saturday's General Session with real-life Indiana Jones, David Miln Smith. Concurrent education sessions on Friday and Saturday and a 112-booth Exhibit Hall with the latest products and services for community banks are on the docket for bankers, and guests will have the opportunity to experience four exciting Partners' Programs, including a historic district walking tour, a wine and chocolate tasting, a lively and empowering session with Laurie Guest, and a healthy skin care class at the hotel spa. The Saturday night dinner dance features the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, an energetic, horn-heavy, eight-piece swing band. All of these great events are included in your early bird fee, so don't miss out!
Don't hesitate! For an early-bird registration form, please click here.
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